Taman Impian Jaya Ancol

Taman Impian Jaya Ancol otherwise known as Ancol Dreamland is an integral part of Ancol Bay City, a popular resort destination located along Jakarta's waterfront, Indonesia.

It is owned by PT. Pembangunan Jaya Ancol Tbk. (They manage the resort and develop housing estates along Jakarta Bay). Ancol Dreamland opened in 1966 and it's currently the largest integrated tourism area in South East Asia. Boasting an international championship golf course, a theme park, world-class hotels and other recreational facilities.

Dunia Fantasi / Dufan (Fantasy World)

Dunia Fantasi is Jakarta's own theme park with over forty main rides and attractions. The theme park is divided into eight regions, Indonesia, Jakarta, Asia, Eropa (Europe), Amerika (America), Yunani (Greece), Hikayat (Fantasy) and Balada Kera (Monkey Parody). The theme park have comply with international standards through ISO 9001:2000 certification.

Among its most famed attraction is the Halilintar twisted roller coaster ride, Niagara flume ride, Istana Boneka (a local version of Disney's It's a Small World) and Balada Kera (Monkey Parody) Theater show. Other classic attractions include Bianglala (ferris wheel), Kora-Kora (swinging ship) and Poci-Poci (spinning cups ride). [http://www.ancol.com/maps/duniafantasy/duniafantasy.php Dunia Fantasy]

Several of the latest and newest rides are Kicir-Kicir (Power Surge) (2004), Perang Bintang (Star Wars) (2005) - an interactive dark ride, Meteor Attack (2006) and Tornado (Windshear by Zamperla) (2007). Some seasonal attractions include Le Belles cabaret show, Russian Circus and Euro Kids Circus. Major renovation have recently been completed on the main entrance facade and ticket booths.

One of the most famous attraction is named Rama Sinta. It is a dark ride that retells the famous Indonesian folktale of the same name with advanced technology. However, this ride has been closed due to fire that broke out early in the morning. The theater that used to house the ride has been emptied and converted into a large indoor exhibition hall, occasionally hosting special shows. As of now, there are no publicly announced plans to use the space for future rides.

Water Parks

Ancol Dreamland has several water parks dedicated for both animals and entertainment. These parks include Atlantis Water Adventure (Water park), Gelanggang Samudra (Animals), SeaWorld (Aquarium), and 2 Beaches.

Atlantis Water Adventure

Atlantis Water Adventure is built on the former site of Gelanggang Renang (Swimming Courtyard). Ocoppying over five hencatres of land, this water park is themed on the mytological underwaterworld of Atlantis. Its facilities include a wave pool, continuous flowing river pool, rainbow ball pool, several slides, and two children's pool, an onsite foodcourt, volleyball court and event centre is also available to accommodate the needs of visitors. [http://www.ancol.com/maps/gelanggangrenang/gelanggangrenang.php Atlantis Water Adventure]

eaWorld

Owned by Lippo Group SeaWorld is opened in 1996 as the largest ocenarium in South East Asia of the time. Larger than Singapore's Underwater World, it features the acclaimed antinessa tunnel as well as other pools including the sea friends pool, main pool, alligator pool, and shark pool. [http://www.seaworldindonesia.com SeaWorld Indonesia]

During its first years of operation, SeaWorld's crews entered the six meter shark pool without any protection to feed the sharks. This shark pool contains three out of the five most fierce shark species in the world. Once, the shark started attacking the feeding crew. Luckily, the feeding crew was able to escape and survive. However due to this incident, feeding crews are required to enter a steel cage before entering the shark pool.

Beaches

There are two main beaches within the resort, the Carnival and Festival beach.

Entertainment

Ancol Dreamland has several facilities dedicated to just entertaining its guests. One of these facilities is Jaya Bowling. This bowling center is the first and largest bowling center in Indonesia. Indonesia's National Bowling Training Center is in Jaya Bowling.

Ancol Dreamland also offers a location to shop for art. Pensa Seni is an Art Market that started over 25 years ago. It has become a center for handicrafts and art products. This art market has an open state, plaza, and souvenir shops. Pasar Seni has also became a center where talented artists would create and sell their products. [http://www.ancol.com/maps/pasarseni/pasarseni.php?action=profile Pensa Seni]

Executive Golf Fun

Ancol's Golf Course has recently relaunched as Executive Golf Fun. This is Indonesia’s first international beach golf course with 18 holes spread over the area of 33 hectares. The golf course has a pro-shop, an executive room, a meeting hall and restaurants. [http://www.ancol.com/maps/padanggolf/padanggolf.php?action=profile Executive Golf Fun]

Future Developments

Ancol Taman Impian is planned to be expanded mainly through land reclamation along Jakarta's bay with the currently land reserve of over eighty hectares. Ancol Taman Impian is aiming for the Ancol Spektakuler 2015 (Ancol Spectacular 2015), a long term goal which include a major expansion over the current Dunia Fantasi theme park as well as the construction of Marina Sports Centre and Carnival Beach Club. The expansion plan also include the addition of new hotels, service apartments and mice facilities. [http://www.ancol.co.id/newsroom_detail.php?pkid=41 Expansion Project]

Transportations

Because Ancol Dreamland is so large, effective transportation has been a concern. Some transportation methods around Ancol Dreamland include becak (rickshaw) and other vehicles such as gondola to help tourists navigate around the area to their next destination.

Gondola

This is the latest transportation alternative in the area. The Gondola is a skylift cable car system with thirty-seven cars built along the shore of Jakarta's bay. It offers a spectacular view of the resort and the sea as well as the city.

Hotels

* Putri Duyung Hotel is the home of contemporary beach cottages with over 137 waterfront rooms.
* Mercure Convention Centre is a four-star contemporary hotel that consists of a hotel tower and large mice facility.
* Hotel Raddin Ancol is an Accor's managed hotel located by the side of Dunia Fantasi.

References

External links

*id icon [http://www.ancol.com/default.php Official site]